Strafford, MO: Small-Town Charm With Big Access to Springfield Community

Bailey Zahn
Aug 4
2 min read

Strafford, Missouri Snapshot

Strafford is in eastern Greene County (with a small part in Webster County), just east of Springfield. It spans 2.63 sq mi of all land and had a population of 2,561 at the 2020 census, growing to about 2,609 in 2023 with a median age around 34.
Median household income hovered near $60,670, and median property value was about $148,100, with around 78% homeownership.

Pros

Low cost of living—housing, goods, and services run well below national averages, making Strafford a budget-friendly choice.
Suburban-rural mix—residents enjoy peaceful neighborhoods w/ open space while being just a short drive (≈20–25 min) from Springfield amenities.
Strong community feel—residents describe Strafford as welcoming, safe, and family‑oriented, with churches, parks, and local events fostering connection.
Highly rated schools—the Strafford R‑VI School District holds a solid B+ rating on Niche, with small class sizes (~11:1 ratio) and a reputation for caring staff and activities).
Outdoor recreation nearby—easy access to Ozark parks and trails, plus numerous local youth and club sports peaked by spirited school athletics.

Cons

Limited local amenities—the town itself has few restaurants, entertainment venues, or retail options; most residents drive to Springfield for variety and nightlife.
Traffic from trucks—as I‑44 and local freight routes run through the area, some residents mention frequent semi‑truck traffic through town.
Less walkability and public transit—few shops or services are within walking distance, and limited public transportation makes car-dependency nearly essential.

Basic Size & Demographics

Metric	Value
Population (2020)	~2,561; increased to ~2,609 by 2023
Land Area	2.63 sq mi
Population Density	~778 people/sq mi
Median Age	~34 years
Median Household Income	~$60,670
Median Property Value	~$148,100
Homeownership Rate	~78%
Commute (avg to work)	~24.5 minutes

These metrics show a compact, steadily growing community where families and professionals seeking affordability and space continue to settle.

Schools: Strafford R‑VI School District

Enrolls about 1,005 PK–12 students, with a teacher ratio of ≈ 11:1, and is rated B+ overall by Niche.
Strafford High School (approx. 394 students, 9–12) performs in the top 30% of Missouri high schools, with reading proficiency ~60–64% (top 10%), and a graduation rate ≥95%—though chronic absenteeism (~17‑18%) is notable.
The district has earned Accredited with Distinction status since 1999—Missouri’s highest accreditation. Parents praise the caring staff, tech access, and supportive atmosphere, with strong extracurricular programs and sports pride.

Summary

Strafford, Missouri is a quiet but growing community offering affordability, strong schools, and proximity to Springfield—all wrapped up in a small-town setting. While it doesn’t have much in‑town nightlife or walkable options, its value lies in its peaceful lifestyle, family friendliness, and easy commutes. It’s a perfect spot to spotlight for clients wanting more space and community without sacrificing access to city conveniences.